The Writings of George
Washington from the Original Manuscript Sources,
1745-1799. John C. Fitzpatrick, Editor.--vol. 04
Cambridge, November 5, 1775.
Dear Sir: Your Favor of the 26th Ulto. with the Enclosures, containing an Acct. of the Surrender of Fort
Chamblee was an excellent Repast, but somewhat incomplete
for Want of Montgomery's Letter, which (a Copy) you
omitted to enclose. On the Success of your Enterprise
so
far, I congratulate you, as the Acquisition of Canada is
of immeasurable Importance to the Cause we are engaged
in. No Acct. of Arnold since my last. I am exceeding
anxious to hear from him; but flatter myself that all
goes well with him, as he was expressly ordered in Case
of any discouraging Event to advertise me of it
immediately.77 I much
approve your Conduct in Regard to Wooster.
[Note 77: The situation of
affairs in Canada at this time may be understood by the
following extract from a letter, dated at Montreal,
October 19, and written by Brook Watson, an eminent
merchant of that city, to Governor Franklin, of New
Jersey. The letter was intercepted by General Montgomery
and forwarded by him to General Schuyler:
"Such is the wretched state of this unhappy
province," says the writer, "that Colonel
Allen, with a few despicable wretches, would have taken
this city on the 25th ultimo, had not its inhabitants
marched out to give them battle. They fought, conquered,
and thereby saved the province for a while. Allen and his
banditti were mostly taken prisoners. He is now in chains
on board the Gaspee. This little action has changed the
face of things. The Canadians before were nine tenths for
the Bostonians. They are now returned to their duty; many
in arms for the King and the parishes, who had been
otherwise, and daily demanding their pardon and taking
arms for the crown." This Mr. Watson went over to
England in the same vessel in which Allen and his
associates were transported as prisoners and in irons.
Allen's wrists and ankles were heavily manacled. In his
narrative he speaks of having received much ill treatment
from Watson during the voyage. Watson was afterwards Lord
Mayor of London.-- Sparks.] My Fears are at an End, as he
acts in a subordinate Character. Intimate this to General
Montgomery, with my Congratulations on his Success, the
seasonable Supply of Powder, and wishes that his next
Letter may be dated from Montreal. We laugh at his Idea
of classing the royal Fuzileers with the Stores. Does he
consider them as Inanimate, or as a Treasure? If you
carry your Arms to Montreal, should not the Garrisons of
Niagara, Detroit &c. be called upon to surrender, or threaten
with the Consequences of a Refusal? They may
indeed destroy their Stores, and if the Indians are
aiding, escape to Fort Charters; but it is not very
probable.
The enclosed Gazette exhibits sundry Specimens of the
Skill of the new Commander in issuing Proclamations, and
a Proof in the Destruction of Falmouth, of the barbarous
Designs of an infernal Ministry. Nothing new hath
happened in this Camp. Finding the ministerial Troops
resolved to keep themselves close within their Lines, and
that it was adjudged impracticable to get at them, I have
fitted out six armed Vessels, with Design to pick up some
of their Store Ships and Transports. The Rest of our Men
are busily employed in erecting of Barracks &c I
hope, as you have said nothing of the State of your
Health, that it is much amended, and that the cold
Weather will restore it perfectly. That it may do so, and
you enjoy the Fruit of your Summers Labor and Fatigue,
is the sincere wish of, Dear Sir, etc. Generals Lee and
Mifflin are well: Colonel Reed gone to Philadelphia.
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